On Tuesday, Coppell City Council denied a zoning change request in a 3-4 vote for Old Town to allow professional or medical offices in addition to the retail and restaurant uses already permitted on the first floor of 767 W. Main Street.

Property owner Diana Ahmad said the majority of her building has been unoccupied for two years, causing her a loss of around $270,000.

“I did have several businesses that wanted the space such as tattoo artists, cigar lounges, massage parlors, CBD shops, boutiques and breakfast places, but they were not a good fit for Old Town,” Ahmad said. “Those businesses do not align with the values of Coppell, and others would not be open on the weekends or at night, which does not match with the goals of the city.” Ahmad said.

The reason for this denial by the council was in hopes of increasing night life and traffic in Old Town by leasing to businesses that close later in the night. 

“I’m very sympathetic to your request, and I understand the financial loss that you’re going through. However, the residents have been asking for a vibrant nightlife and the city council had hoped that Old Town would be that solution,” council member Ramesh Premkumar said.

Additionally, the council held a public hearing to consider approval of a developmental plan south of Sandy Lake Road and west of Denton Tap Road. About 25 residents of the adjacent neighborhood signed up to voice their concerns about potential issues the development may cause.

The main concerns of Sandy Lake neighborhood residents are trash, trees and traffic. The residents claim that people often illegally park in their neighborhood due to traffic. The residents request that developers and the city consider these concerns before making a decision.

The council approved extra time for the developer to discuss with HOA members and neighbors in an effort to find common ground regarding the plan before making any decisions.

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